Student visas

International students can apply for a student visa to study at a New Zealand education provider, including schools, tertiary, and English language.

Overview of student visas

International students are an important part of New Zealand’s education system, contributing to the country’s cultural diversity, innovation, and economic vitality. In return, they gain access to world-class education and unique global opportunities.

There are several types of visas available for prospective students, each with its own eligibility criteria and conditions. These conditions may include rules around studying, working, and travelling.

Visas for studying in New Zealand

There are also options for Working Holiday Visas which allow young people between 18 and 30 to work or study while they holiday in New Zealand.

Before beginning study

Applying for a student visa

Before beginning studies in New Zealand, individuals will need to apply for a student visa.

It is best to apply early to avoid delays, especially during busy times of the year.

It is important applicants have all the required documents ready, follow the application guidance, and submit everything through the online application form. This helps ensure applications are processed smoothly and on time.

Students must declare any assistance or advice provided with their student visa application.

Supporting documents

Applicants should include all supporting documents required with their initial application to avoid delays.

Use our student visa checklists when completing an application to make sure the application is complete. These checklists can be found on our student visa information page.

Visas for studying in New Zealand

Applying on enhanced Immigration Online

On 18 August 2025, international student visa applications moved to Immigration New Zealand’s enhanced Immigration Online system.

The new form includes built-in guidance to help applicants understand each question and provide accurate responses. An updated International Student Information Sheet for enhanced Immigration Online will be available soon.

Applications submitted using the old form on or before 17 August 2025 will still be processed. Applicants will not need to resubmit and will retain access to upload documents and respond to requests until a decision is made.

If applicants have a draft application on the old form, they can submit it by 17 September 2025 or start fresh using the new form.

International student visa applications moving to enhanced Immigration Online

Processing during peak periods

The periods between November to March and May to August are when we see the highest volumes of student visa applications. This is because students apply for a student visa before the start of the academic year or mid-year, as well as students already in New Zealand applying for a further visa to continue their studies.

The high volumes mean applications may take longer to process during these periods, particularly if applications are incomplete and we need to request further information.

For the best chance of getting a visa on time for study, applicants should apply at least three months before they intend to travel.

Applicants can apply earlier if they have all the required documentation.

Student visa wait times

Why some applications are processed faster than others

During study

Changing course or provider

If visa holders want to change what or where they are studying, they will need to apply for a variation of conditions to their current visa or get a new visa.

If individuals currently hold a Pathway Student Visa and want to change their education provider, they will need to apply for a new student visa.

To apply to change visa conditions, the following evidence is needed:

• of an 'offer of place' from the new education provider
• proof course fees have been paid — this can be provided after the application is approved in principle.

Check or change your student visa conditions

Working on a student visa

Whether a student can work before or after the course has finished depends on the work rights specified in the student visa.

Starting 3 November 2025, eligible tertiary and secondary school students will be allowed to work up to 25 hours each week during the semester. This change will apply to all new student visas granted from that date, even if the application was submitted earlier.

If a student visa already has a 20-hour work limit and the visa holder wants to work up to 25 hours each week, they will need to apply for a variation of conditions. The extra 5 hours will not be added automatically. If visa holders do not apply, their current work limit stays the same.

Many student visas already allow full-time work during summer and other scheduled breaks. If a visa includes this, visa holders might not need to apply for the extra 5 hours right away. Visa holders can choose to apply for the variation of conditions after summer, if their visa is still valid.

Students on approved Exchange or Study Abroad programmes will be eligible for work rights, even if they are studying in New Zealand for less than one year.

More information can be found in Visa Pak 493: Work rights for students pre and post course.

Working on a student visa

After study ends

There are options for people to stay and work in New Zealand after completing study, such as the Post Study Work Visa.

Staying to work after finishing your study